Kenvil & Lake Hopatcong Auto Repair

Petro "Pete" Chang is a graduate of Wyotech and specialized in automotive and light-duty diesel. He has over 13 years of experience in the automotive field. He brings with him first-hand knowledge of the inner workings of the auto repair industry and has played a key part in the business aspects. There isn't too much Pete doesn't know about how to get things done around the shop and he is enthusiastic about each challenge that is put in front of him.   Not only is he experienced with vehicles, but he is also very in tune with customer relations and cares for both the client and their vehicles, always setting the bar at the highest level.    We are excited to have Pete and his many talents on our team and we know that our clients will benefit from his passion for everything automotive.    Pete is an avid outdoorsman. On his time off, he enjoys being out in the woods, bow hunting, out on the water with his rod and reel, o ... read more

2017 Ford Fusion with multiple different electronic issues, from lights and dashboard not working, radio acting weird, and many little random glitches that don't add up. Our technician was able to diagnose the issue and deemed it to be CAN bus-related. These issues are normally very difficult to diagnose or even impossible for some without proper training and experience.     These days, all modern vehicles, from conventional combustion-powered cars to the latest EVs, feature a Controller Area Network (CAN) bus. It's the electronic communication system that lets everything  be able to talk to each other including the engine, transmission, body control, and even brakes. It works the same way a computer communicates with its own parts, with 0's and 1's. Literally, multiple pulses or pauses  of electricity (0110101001) just like Morse code. Computers are ab ... read more

Here is just one example of how routinely maintaining your vehicle can help to prevent bigger problems in the future. For this particular repair, Jay, our ASE Master certified technician took on this challenge and was able to bring this vehicle back to life. 14 Dodge Ram Promaster 3.6 Liter V6 with under 100k miles. These engines have common issues with the Lifters seizing causing a tick. If that tick is ignored too long the camshaft lobe starts to grind away as you see here. When this happens metal shavings are thrown throughout the entire engine. This customer decided to go the right way with a full new engine replacement. Although sometimes you can get away with replacing the camshaft and lifters and flushing the engine oil, but this is only hoping the rest of the engine isn't too worn out from all the metal shavings and is not recommended. Although this is a very common issue on multiple different e ... read more

Did you know that your vehicle is not a crock pot? Yes, of course you did! Your vehicle is not a set-it-and-forget-it kind of thing. This blog's topic for the Automotive Magic and Magic Lube and Rubber is the importance of routine oil changes. When you talk to anyone at Automotive Magic and Magic Lube and Rubber, we will unequivocally preach the good word of routine oil changes! “Why do we want routine oil changes?”, you may be asking. “They are just trying to get more money from me, it’s a racket in the auto industry,” you may be thinking. This couldn’t be farther from the truth.  When you change oil at the recommended intervals, with oil that meets or exceeds the manufacturer's specifications, you will extend the life of the engine and increase its efficiency. Right after an oil change is the closest you will get to the brand-new, right-off-the-lot feel of driving. Your engine has full power as the oil lubricates all the moving parts ... read more

This year Automotive Magic is happy to be a sponsor of the Roxbury Township Town Planner. We’ve been servicing Kenvil, Roxbury and the surrounding areas with superior automotive repair and maintenance since 2003. Make sure that you check out their site for savings and coupons throughout our area. Now and throughout the the month of March, 2021. You can save up to $40 on your brake service at Automotive Magic. Click here for site link and subscribe to their weekly newsletter for up to date news and events that are happening here in our community.     Schedule you Brake Assessment Now    

Now that the cold weather is upon us you may notice that there is a chirping sound coming from your car's engine. This is probably not Tweety Bird flying around under your hood! It’s most likely your serpentine belt. read more...   The serpentine belt on most vehicles is a single belt that is used for driving multiple devices on your engine such as the alternator, power steering pump, water pump and air conditioning compressor and that is why is essential that the serpentine belt, belt tensioner and pulleys are in proper working order. When the rubber from the belt gets cold and the elements have caused some negative effects on it, it’s a sign that it’s probably time to replace it. Along with the serpentine belt, the belt tension ... read more

WHAT YOU SHOULD KNOW WHEN CHOOSING CONVENTIONAL OR SYNTHETIC OIL Going to get  your oil changed, something you need to take care of for the well being of your vehicle. You might be stringent about getting it done on schedule and keep precise records, for this we applaud you. You might be thankful that most places that complete your oil change are nice enough to slap a sticker in the corner of your windshield and go by that. You get an atta boy and a pat on the back for that. You might wait until the oil maintenance comes on your dash, a little scream that says, ut oh, you are due. If you take action and schedule your oil change then, you are probably still in good graces with your car. These are ways that you protect your investment with the hope that you are taking the best care of your vehicle. In turn it will deliver years of faithful start ups, extra miles that you pray for and keep providing the reliability and comfort that you are hoping for.   SCHEDULE OIL ... read more

Where the rubber meets the road   For our customers, our family and our friends.  Your safety and your families safety is always our first and foremost priority.  Auto repairs can be inconvenient and costly and not always the top of your list of Have to’s - The safety portion well yes, they fall into the inconvenient and costly category, but it is absolutely our priority. Your well being is riding on it.  Yes, there is maintenance upkeep and investments in the long term care of your car, but the safety stuff, there’s no price that should be put on that.  So, as an absolute must, top of the list, no fooling around here are the basics:   Tires And Brakes Absolutely the top two, We can’t even say one is more important than the other.  Because if you have good tires and the brakes are shot.. Whamo! Bad news, and if your brakes are in excellent condition and your tires are bald.. Bad, just bad!    Tire ... read more

To Tow or Not to Tow There are always times when you come across an unexpected situation with your vehicle. Breakdowns are never fun no matter where you are and It is certainly an inconvenience. We want you to know that if that moment should arise where you are in need of a tow, we are here for you.  As you have come to expect with the service you receive at Automotive Magic we work on  the details and let you get on with your life.  maintaining We have been servicing our customers vehicles since 2003. When a repair is needed we have got you covered.   24/7 ASSISTANCE   Not only are we a AAA auto repair facility, we have a 24/7 Towing service we’ve been working with for the last seventeen years. We have partnered with JC and Daughters right here in Randolph and they are exceptional in the service that they provide.  Your process is seamless because we can dispatch their service to tow your vehicle into our shop at any time. Ther ... read more

YOU'VE GOT TO MOVE  With the stay home orders you may be feeling a little cabin fever, there have been more rainy days then sunny days the last few weeks. Being cooped up in the house can cause you to do less exercise, and therefore your muscles may feel tight. Doing some stretching and moving about is good for your body and mind. When it does come time to get out and move around in the nice weather you might feel some negative effects of being still. The same certainly applies to your vehicle. Being stationary in the driveway or garage may seem like it’s a blessing. You’re not putting on the commuter miles, you're not spending money on gas every week, you’re not due for an oil change because you haven’t gone anywhere. It seems like a good thing right? Actually, not moving your vehicle can cause some issues with it that you wouldn’t expect.    BRAKES ... read more